Thyroid test results white blood cells

[frankmac]

I was wondering why when i have blood test for thyroid levels done white blood cells aren't checked as well ?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Because white blood cells are part of a Full Blood Count and wont be done unless GP thinks there's a reason to order this.

Why do you think that maybe they should be checked when testing thyroid?

[frankmac in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for your reply SeasideSusie i have read that taking carbimazole can cause low white blood cells which is needed to fend off infection as you say the Doctor would only check white blood cells if i was unwell

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to frankmac]

Ah right, I see. I didn't check your profile, didn't realise you were hyperthyroid.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Cost

Request GP test full thyroid, vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 plus WBC

Presumably you are still on Carbimazole?

[frankmac in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks SlowDragon yes i've been taking carbimazole for about 3 years now

[pennyannie]

Hey there again Frank:

I missed your last post about your weight increase :

How are you feeling ?

The AT medication blocks your own T3 and T4 levels and in turn slows you down metabolically so weight increase is a typical sign of too much AT medication :

With a slower than normal metabolism for your unique set point there is the further issue of low vitamins and minerals as you will have trouble extracting essential nutrients from your food, irrespective of how well you eat.

Your core strength vitamins and minerals of ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D need to be kept at optimal levels and this is crucial during this phase of the disease.

Since your endocrinologist has been warning you of the risks entailed on staying on the AT drug I would have thought monitoring your white blood count and liver a necessity.

Maybe your doctor can intervene and get these necessary blood tests sanctioned for you.

If you go into Thyroid UK the charity who support this forum there is a page full of private blood testing companies which is where many forum members go to action our own blood tests for a TSH, T3, T4, antibodies, inflammation, and the ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D.

[frankmac in reply to pennyannie]

Thanks peenyannie for your reply i'm seeing a Doctor next Monday on a separate issue and will ask her then I am feeling well i put on some weight only a couple of pounds i just wanted to see if anybody got white blood tests done

[pennyannie in reply to frankmac]

Yes, as already mentioned they are generally run as part of a full blood test - though believe they can be tested independently, as necessary, as these are known side effect for some people when taking AT drugs.

[McPammy]

I find that my white blood cells and neutrophil are abnormally low if my thyroxine is higher than normal. I started T3 combined with Levothyroxine and since then my white cells are always abnormally low. There was also one point in 2014 when I was just taking Levothyroxine only and I was over medicated. Again at the same point my white cells and neutrophil were abnormally low. It seems for myself at least that higher levels of thyroxine = low white cells and neutrophil. I guess this correlates with people who have hyperthyroidism. I have hypothyroidism.

I get my Thyroid and all vitamins checked quarterly. My FBC is done 6 monthly. I’ve requested I get it done quarterly now also. As you rightly say white blood cells keep infections down. I’m washing my hands more regularly in future now I’ve learnt about low white cells.

[frankmac in reply to McPammy]

Thanks McPammy for replying i'm seeing my own Doctor next week so i will ask about white blood cells

[Catseyes235]

I’m afraid cost has something to do with it. I used to have FBC done but now at worst it is just TSH. Doctors have to justify their requests.

[frankmac in reply to Catseyes235]

Thanks Catseyes235